Menu
14/10/2005
Retail expert brands ASDA 'ordinary'
Thrifty Northern Ireland shoppers are unimpressed by the UK supermarket chain ASDA, a leading retail expert claimed today.
Donald McFetridge, from the UU’s School of Business, Retail and Financial Services, said the initial reaction from many consumers to the new ASDA stores – which opened in Northern Ireland for the first time this week – has been one of disappointment, despite the company’s pledges to implement a national pricing policy across the province.
Mr McFetridge said comments from shoppers have suggested special offers are “nothing out of the ordinary”, and that the typical ‘BOGOFFs’, buy one, get one for free offers, are no better than in any of the other supermarket stores.
“I predict that today's promiscuous and curious consumers will go along and have a look at what ASDA has to offer during the initial store opening period – but many will revert to their original choice of supermarket,” said Mr McFetridge.
“Large numbers of consumers have reported that they expected more price savings and they were disappointed that, especially in the opening week of their entry into the Northern Ireland market, ASDA did not appear to be doing anything special for consumers here."
Mr McFetridge said that while petrol prices seemed to be the main attraction for many ASDA shoppers, it looked like Tesco would eventually win the battle for customer loyalty with its current special offers "flying off the shelves".
Despite the critricism, DUP North Down assembly member Peter Weir welcomed the opening of the stores.
"Northern Ireland is now home to the first, second and third largest grocery retailers, which can only benefit local consumers," he said.
"ASDA already has an existing local buying policy and relationships with NI suppliers, and I would encourage them to continue to develop this."
ASDA opened its first shops in Bangor, Coleraine, Cookstown and Ballyclare this week, with a further shop in Strabane planned for the end of October.
The Coleraine store, in particular, is to create a further 60 jobs, on top of the 185 currently employed at the store.
(MB/SP)
Donald McFetridge, from the UU’s School of Business, Retail and Financial Services, said the initial reaction from many consumers to the new ASDA stores – which opened in Northern Ireland for the first time this week – has been one of disappointment, despite the company’s pledges to implement a national pricing policy across the province.
Mr McFetridge said comments from shoppers have suggested special offers are “nothing out of the ordinary”, and that the typical ‘BOGOFFs’, buy one, get one for free offers, are no better than in any of the other supermarket stores.
“I predict that today's promiscuous and curious consumers will go along and have a look at what ASDA has to offer during the initial store opening period – but many will revert to their original choice of supermarket,” said Mr McFetridge.
“Large numbers of consumers have reported that they expected more price savings and they were disappointed that, especially in the opening week of their entry into the Northern Ireland market, ASDA did not appear to be doing anything special for consumers here."
Mr McFetridge said that while petrol prices seemed to be the main attraction for many ASDA shoppers, it looked like Tesco would eventually win the battle for customer loyalty with its current special offers "flying off the shelves".
Despite the critricism, DUP North Down assembly member Peter Weir welcomed the opening of the stores.
"Northern Ireland is now home to the first, second and third largest grocery retailers, which can only benefit local consumers," he said.
"ASDA already has an existing local buying policy and relationships with NI suppliers, and I would encourage them to continue to develop this."
ASDA opened its first shops in Bangor, Coleraine, Cookstown and Ballyclare this week, with a further shop in Strabane planned for the end of October.
The Coleraine store, in particular, is to create a further 60 jobs, on top of the 185 currently employed at the store.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
18 November 2024
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
Minister Lyons Highlights Northern Ireland's Engineering Heritage
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the engineering heritage of Northern Ireland during a recent visit to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. A particular highlight of the visit was the Ferguson Black Tractor, a groundbreaking piece of machinery that revolutionised agriculture worldwide.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
